Description
A fresh and flavorful Broccoli Salad featuring crisp broccoli florets, savory bacon, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a lighter creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. This salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish that balances creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 500 g (1 lb) broccoli florets (2 large heads, approx. 22 cm / 9″ diameter)
- 150 g (5 oz) bacon, chopped and cooked until golden
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (or substitute with raisins, sultanas, or blueberries)
- 1/2 cup almond slivers
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Greek yoghurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) low-fat milk
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) lemon juice (or cider vinegar)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: Slice the broccoli florets into thin slices no thicker than 0.7 cm (1/4 inch) to ensure the salad has a tender yet crisp texture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Place the sliced broccoli in a large bowl along with the cooked bacon, dried cranberries, almond slivers, and finely sliced red onion.
- Mix Dressing: In a separate large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt (or sour cream), low-fat milk, lemon juice (or cider vinegar), minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, sugar, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well incorporated and has a thin, pourable consistency.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything well to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, remove from the fridge and bring to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the salad a day in advance and refrigerate overnight.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins, sultanas, or blueberries depending on your taste preference.
- Adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
- Use low-fat milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter creamy dressing.
- Make sure to slice the broccoli thinly to avoid a tough texture.
